Extension in Buncombe County

These days we’re staying at home and staying safe.  And spending more time watching our gardens grow.  Maybe we’re finding places we’d like to add a plant or two.  Or possibly cut back or transplant a few.  Maybe this is the season we’ll pay more attention to the bugs, or the soil, or our plants’ health.

Whatever your gardening interest or need, Buncombe County Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteers are here to help—even as we sequester ourselves in our homes and gardens.  Right now, one of the best ways we can help is keeping you informed about our online resources.

The blog, written by our Master Gardener volunteers, is one of those resources available to you.

Do you read our blog?
It’s been around for about four years and provides a wealth of information.  The archives cover a huge variety of topics:  vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, landscaping ideas, good bugs, bad bugs, plant diseases, lawn care, pruning, seasonal maintenance—and the list goes on.  Many blogs also include online links to horticultural sites where you can find additional information.

Where is the blog located?
You can find the blog on the Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteers of Buncombe County website at https://www.buncombemastergardener.org/.  The most recently published blog shows up on the home page. If you want to receive an email notification each time a new blog is published, you’ll need to sign up.  Click on the “Subscribe” button that appears in the left margin of the page.

How do I use the blog?
Got a specific topic you want to read about?  Look for the “Search” box at the upper right of the website home page.  Type in your topic, for example “soil amendment, pollinator, ground cover, rudbeckia, etc.”, and every blog with those words will be presented on your device screen.  You may have to scroll through several blogs across multiple web pages to find the information you’re looking for.

Another way to find blog topics is to investigate the “Categories” listing.  Scroll down the website home page and you’ll see “Categories” listed in the left margin.  The categories are like a table of contents for all the blog topics.  Click on a category, such as “Integrated Pest Management (IPM)” or “Vegetables & Fruits”, and all associated blogs will appear.  Again, scroll through the blogs to find specific information.

The blogs will show up in the order they were published—the most current blogs appear first.  And don’t forget to look at the end of each blog posting where you may be directed to books and websites with additional information.

What about reliability?
Rest assured, our blog content is fact-based, horticulturally accurate, and up-to-date.  It is closely aligned with scientific research and publications of North Carolina State University Extension or other recognized authorities.  We make every attempt to be sure our gardening recommendations are relevant for the environmental conditions found in Western North Carolina.

We Master Gardeners love gardening and are excited to share our knowledge and experience with you. The blog is one way we can continue to do this, now and in the future.  Check it out.  Expand your gardening know-how and create amazing gardens.

Article written by Beth Leonard, Extension Master Gardener^SM Volunteer.